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Common Core repeal changed, but debate rages

The Ohio House Rules and Reference Committee on Thursday approved a new version of a bill to repeal the standards that would give Ohio education leaders more time to develop new standards and would require school districts to participate in testing based on those new standards.

Common Core repeal changed, but debate rages

Changes to a bill to repeal Common Core did little to quell concerns from supporters of the state's new education standards.

The Ohio House Rules and Reference Committee on Thursday approved a new version of a bill to repeal the standards, which would give education leaders more time to develop new ones and require school districts to participate in testing based on those new standards. However, when the bill will receive a committee vote — or even make it to the House floor — remains unknown.

State Rep. Andy Thompson, R-Marietta — the bill's sponsor — said changes were made after hearing concerns about the initial proposal. For example, he said the provision that would have allowed school districts to opt out of state tests was removed because of federal requirements. Although the new version would let schools opt out of the state's new standards — and even adopt Common Core should they desire — those districts would have to participate in state testing based on whatever new standards are developed.

"Ultimately it's up to the school districts to do what they think is best," he said, adding it was an attempt to restore local control.

The revision also delayed the adoption of the standards until June 13, 2017, meaning they would be in effect for the 2018-19 school year. Thompson said the one-year delay was needed to help develop new standards. In the interim, not including the current school year, Ohio would use the Massachusetts learning standards from before that state adopted Common Core.

Thompson also removed some potentially divisive language in regard to the development of the standards. No longer will Ohio standards prohibit "political or religious interpretation of scientific facts in favor of another," which critics said opened the door to teaching creationism in public schools.

The requirement that 80 percent of literary works taught in grades eight through 12 be from classic British and American authors also was eliminated.

Despite the tweaks, numerous education officials testified against the bill, saying Ohio should keep Common Core because it is good for students. Melanie Bates, a member of the Cincinnati Public Schools board, submitted a resolution from the district in support of the standards.

"Passing SHB 597 would result in additional years of fits and starts, maintenance of an already flawed system that has produced limited results versus an actual comprehensive plan already showing results," she said.

Jim Mahoney, executive director for Battelle for Kids, said the state only will hurt students — especially those in Appalachian counties — by lowering standards. He said, at a time when Ohio students need higher standards, they might be lowering them out of fear.

"Our real fear should be there won't be jobs for kids with no skills," he said.

House Rules and Reference Committee Chairman Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said he expects the committee to continue hearings on the issue later this month, but added it might make sense to gather testimony outside of Columbus because he thinks it would be different than what is heard inside the capital.

State Rep. Gerry Stebelton, R-Lancaster, and chairman of the House education committee, said nothing in the changes to the bill would curb his effort to defeat it. A proponent of Common Core, Stebelton said the concerns being aired about Common Core are the same ones he heard when his committee scuttled a previous repeal attempt. He said the concerns were the result of misinformation about the standards. He said he didn't think there was enough support in the House to pass the bill.

"It's bad for school districts; it's bad for parents; it's bad for kids," he said of the repeal effort.

House Speaker William Batcheldor, R-Medina, said a discussion with the Republican caucus would be needed before determining if the bill will get a final vote.